Current Bellator heavyweight and former UFC fighter Matt Mitrione had six fights to his name when he fought Roy Nelson six years ago in the UFC octagon.

A short-notice replacement for former UFC interim heavyweight champ Shane Carwin, Mitrione fell prey to Nelson’s heavy hands in the first round. It was Mitrione’s first stoppage loss.

The two now have been paired again for Bellator’s heavyweight grand prix, but Mitrione (12-5 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) isn’t concerned about getting back at Nelson (23-14 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) in their opening-round matchup of the yearlong eight-man tournament.

“I’m a completely different fighter. I’ve been as active as I can be, and I’ve had no injuries. It’s just the fact that my ego wants to prove that I’m better than Roy, wants to prove that I’m the best heavyweight in the Bellator division, and one of the best in the world. I’m ready for that.”

Related

Mitrione will face the winner of another quarterfinal-round bout, between Bellator light heavyweight champ Ryan Bader and Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, which headlines Bellator 199 on May 12 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Mitrione is unsure about the timeline of his next bout if he beats Nelson, but he’s hoping it’s sooner than later.

“I prefer to stay busy,” he said. “I don’t really like down time very much, so I’m not really happy a bout it. But I have to worry about my opponent up front, and then I can worry about the second (round).”

Related

Matt Mitrione on status as Bellator grand prix frontrunner: I should be

Of course, Nelson will try to repeat history when he squares off with Mitrione. But Mitrione has goals beyond victory on Friday.

“I think I should be the favorite – I think I’ve earned that,” he said. “It’s up to somebody else to show me why I’m not. I feel great about it. I feel like I’m the most dangerous heavyweight in Bellator, that’s for damn sure.

“We’re going to see if I’m the most dangerous person in Bellator – or not.”